Transportation Roadmap
In 2012, Richland County residents voted to approve a 1 percent Transportation Penny sales tax to provide for much-needed projects throughout the County. Since its inception, the Penny has provided funding for hundreds of neighborhood improvement projects, including road widenings, intersection upgrades, dirt road pavings, sidewalks, bikeways and greenways. These projects have boosted travel and infrastructure throughout the County’s 11 districts.
The maximum revenue using the Penny program is $1.07 billion, which will be collected for 22 years or until the maximum revenue is received, whichever comes first. It is forecasted that the maximum revenue will be accrued in late 2026.
As part of a Transportation Sales Tax Referendum during the November 2024 general election, Richland County residents voted to extend the Transportation Penny, with 61.31 percent voting for the measure.
The 2024 Penny will continue the collection of Penny funding for 25 years or until a maximum revenue of $4.5 billion is collected, whichever comes first, and will serve as an extension of the 2012 Penny rather than an additional tax.
What's Next
The successful vote means Richland County can move forward with projects identified in the transportation needs assessment conducted earlier in 2024. View the needs assessment list.
The $4.5 billion generated by the 2024 Transportation Penny will benefit community investment (48 percent), County advancement (30 percent), and enhancement projects related to The COMET (22 percent).
Voters also approved the issuance of $950 million in general obligation bonds, allowing the County to begin construction of projects in a quicker timeframe. This measure passed with 63.56 percent of the vote.
FAQ
This file shows frequently asked questions and answers related to the Transportation Penny Tax.
What's in the New Penny Referendum
Penny Ordinance Penny Projects, Principles and Categories
Prioritizing Projects
Unfunded projects from the 2012 Transportation Penny will be completed first. Other projects will be fairly and accurately prioritized based on the following principles:
- Additional funding sources (up to 10 points)
- Matching state or federal funds
- Overall impact and cost ratio (up to 20 points)
- The number of residents affected by the project
- Safety (up to 25 points)
- The impact a project would have on improving public safety
- Improvement of overall condition (up to 10 points)
- The effect a project would have on the improvement of blighted conditions
- Economic development (up to 20 points)
- The impact a project would have on economic development in the County
- Public support (up to 15 points)
- The input of the public and other stakeholders
Stay Informed
This video gives an overview of County-provided resources regarding the Penny.
Transportation Needs Assessment
In early 2024, Stantec Consulting Services assisted Richland County with a transportation needs assessment. As part of the assessment, the County held a series of public meetings to allow community stakeholders to review materials highlighting existing and planned transportation improvements and offer insight into potential future projects.
- This file shows various County transportation projects grouped by type, Council district and base cost.
- Read public comments gathered during the meetings.
Resolution by County Council
This resolution, approved March 19, 2024, expands the functions, duties and powers of the Transportation Penny Advisory Committee. Read more about the committee's role on the Transportation Penny website.